Nick Knight CBE is one of the most influential image makers of our time.As the founder of SHOWstudio and a visionary fashion photographer, his work with designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Yohji Yamamoto, and musicians including Björk, Lady Gaga and Kanye West, has defined modern culture.In this episode, Nick joins me to talk about his long creative relationship with Paul Weller.From photographing The Style Council at Solid Bond Studios through to the striking imagery of Paul’s early solo career, Nick shares the stories behind some of Weller’s most memorable visuals. We discuss:His first encounters with The Jam and The Style CouncilWhat made Paul Weller such a compelling subject to photographThe influences behind iconic shoots, including the inner sleeve of Our Favourite Shop and the debut solo album coverThe role of fashion, style and visual culture in Weller’s musicNick’s reflections on music, image-making, and capturing emotion through photographyFind podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jack Dee on Paul Weller, The Jam and the story behind Lead Balloon’s theme tune...
On this episode my guest is one of Britain’s most distinctive comedians, an award-winning stand-up, actor, writer, and the creator of the brilliant TV sitcom, Lead Balloon.Jack Dee has always had a sharp wit, a dry outlook, and as it turns out, a deep, long-standing admiration for both Paul Weller and his music.In this episode, a snippet of the interview recorded for my upcoming book, Jack shares how The Jam gave him an ‘alibi’ in the late seventies, his surreal moments sharing a bill with Weller, and how a Paul Weller track ended up as the theme tune to his hit sitcom. We also explore the parallels between comedy and music, his admiration for Weller’s constant evolution, and a few unforgettable encounters along the way. Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Amelia Coburn - One Last Cold Kiss [Find El Dorado]
On this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I’m joined by singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn - an artist whose distinctive voice, storytelling flair, and genre-blurring style have won her fans far beyond the folk world. Amelia’s connection to Weller began with her wonderful ukulele cover of Down in the Tube Station at Midnight, which eventually caught Paul’s ear via Shindig! magazine’s John Mills. This story leads to a beautiful collaboration on Paul Weller’s new album Find El Dorado, where Amelia’s vocals feature on the Christy Moore song 'One Last Cold Kiss'.We talk about her musical upbringing, the influence of The Jam, the decade-long journey to her debut album Between the Moon and the Milkman, and the stories behind songs like 'Dublin Serenade', 'Nodding Dog', and 'Sandra'. Amelia also shares how it feels to be championed by one of her heroes, her hopes for future collaborations, and exciting plans for album number two.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Declan O'Rourke - Handouts in the Rain [Find El Dorado]
Declan O'Rourke is my guest on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast - another huge talent and always a delight to talk to. Warm, humorous, super-smart and clearly a huge talent.This time around we talk Find El Dorado and the opening song - a duet between Paul and Declan - a cover of Richie Havens’ 'Handouts in the Rain' - a song that is undeniably beautiful with the juxtaposition that it reflects on humanity’s repeated failures - violence, prejudice, and exploitation - while warning of the inevitable consequences: alienation, shame, and destitution.Written during the 1970s, its verses reflect on personal and societal cruelty, from harming neighbours and foreigners to betraying women and misleading children. The refrain - "taking handouts in the rain” - is a powerful image of collective downfall, suggesting that those who perpetuate harm will ultimately share in suffering and marginalisation.As Paul and Declan cover the song decades later, its relevance has not diminished. In today’s world, issues of xenophobia, social division, and generational mistrust remain pressing. The song’s critique of scapegoating, violence, and inherited prejudice resonates just as strongly, if not more so, amid ongoing global conflicts, refugee crises, and polarised societies.Both versions underscore how cycles of blame and cruelty lead only to mutual ruin - a message as urgent now as when Havens first sang it.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Tony Harlow - CEO, Warner Music UK, Former V2 MD
This week’s guest on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast is Tony Harlow, one of the most influential figures in the modern music industry and the current Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK.CEO of Richard Branson’s V2 Records during Paul Weller's time at the label, their professional paths have crossed again more recently, with Paul signing back with Warner's Parlophone label for Find El Dorado.Beyond his work with Paul Weller, Tony Harlow has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of a diverse range of artists. At V2, he championed acts like The White Stripes, Stereophonics, and Moby, while his leadership at Warner Music Australia saw him help launch the global success of Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa. His approach has always been artist-centric, blending a keen ear for talent with a progressive vision for the industry - evident in his efforts to support independent musicians through initiatives like Co-Op Music, and his recent investments in regional UK studios and digital innovation at Warner.Our chat was for my upcoming Dancing Through the Fire - Paul Weller oral history book, and Tony has kindly let me use the audio for an episode of the podcast. We cover his early days working at Beggars Banquet record shop and going to punk gigs ... to V2 during Paul Weller’s time at the label and the sale of the record label at the point Paul had just finished creating 22 Dreams. Tony shares his memories of working with Paul, his unique relationship with John Weller, and why he believes Paul remains one of the greatest and most enduring artists of our time.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted by Dan Jennings, the world’s first Paul Weller Fan Podcast is back with Season 3 in 2025, counting down to Weller’s covers album Find El Dorado with special guests, plus exclusive episodes celebrating Dan’s upcoming book Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire (September 2025). Season 2, The Story of 66, dives deep into his 17th solo album with a whole cast of great guests, including Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Suggs, and Dr. Robert. Season 1, Desperately Seeking Paul, launched in 2020 to fulfil Dan’s dream of finally interviewing his hero, Paul Weller. Listen now and join the journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.